Why is the first time Paul is used instead of Saul? Who changed his name and why?
Acts 13:13 - 50
MSG - 13 From Paphos, Paul and company put out to sea, sailing on to Perga in Pamphylia. That's where John called it quits and went back to Jerusalem. From Perga the rest of them traveled on to Antioch in Pisidia. 14 On the Sabbath they went to the meeting place and took their places. After the reading of the Scriptures - God's Law and the Prophets - the president of the meeting asked them, "Friends, do you have anything you want to say? A word of encouragement, perhaps?
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Asked June 08 2013
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Stef Casadio
Supporter
Community answers are sorted based on votes. The higher the vote, the further up an answer is.
Sarah Newcomb
Supporter
Saul was a murderer of Christians. His mission was to kill all who believed on Christ. God, on Sauls way to Damascus, struck him blind. He then was visited by Christ, who's voice came from heaven. Saul wandered 3 days blind and God sent Ananias to lay hands on him and heal him. Saul was known for killing Christians. Jesus has called us a new name, when we become His and our sins are washed away, by Acts 2:38, we have a new name in Christ, Paul was no different. God changed Sauls name. He was no longer bound by his past just like we are no longer bound by ours. You can this story in Acts starting in chapter 9.
Daniel Rinker
Supporter
I believe that Saul was actually named for the first king of Israel, and thus was his Jewish name. "Paul," on the other hand was his Roman name. However, he was known as Paul after Acts 9 to reflect that his sins were forgiven and that he would be called to preach to the Gentiles.
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